Shaw was at the centre of a row between the Manchester United boss and Roy Hodgson, amid claims he was not fit enough during and after the World Cup.

The 19-year-old was yesterday praised for his humility in taking a step back and joining up with Gareth Southgate's U21 squad who face a crucial two-legged qualifier for the Euro finals against Croatia.

But the U21 chief has admitted he won't be getting his strongest squad if England reach the tournament in the Czech Republic.

Raheem Sterling is now an established senior player, and others like Ross Barkley, Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, John Stones and Calum Chambers will only be released to the u21s if Hodgson thinks they would benefit from the experience.

Southgate said of Shaw's inclusion for the qualifier, which kicks off at Molineux on Friday evening: "I just know from the conversation with Luke that (Van Gaal) is really positive about him coming and first and foremost, playing matches.

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"At the moment Roy would deal with Louis direct. In this instance because Roy is dealing with Louis on Rooney and hopefully others that will be involved, Roy had that conversation.

"It is not something we've just thought 'we'll make this squad as strong as we possibly can'. We are thinking about the individuals all the time and what is the right experience for them.

"Yes Luke played in the World Cup but not in a competitive game. He is not the finished article. Experiences like this can help. He looks like he copes with everything, but he is a 19-year-old kid."

Shaw spoke enthusiastically earlier this week about his u21 demotion. He played three qualifiers for the U21s and has been in several squads and wants to play.

Southgate said: "It's brilliant for him to have the humility to recognise that and be prepared to do it. It's also great for us.

"Our group of players now can talk to him about the difference between playing for a club like Southampton which is a great grounding for any young player, and the expectation level and the different quality when you go to a club like Manchester United.

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"Our players can have that informal mixing with him all week where he can let them know exactly what Di Maria and Falcao and Rooney do in training."

If England come through the two legged play off, there may be pressure give Southgate a strong squad including perhaps the likes off Barkley, to chase a morale boosting tournament win.

But he said: "Can Luke Shaw's attitude can be replicated across the board? It will be interesting, there may be more that are of that view than people might think but at the moment we have got to get across the line on Tuesday.

"But in my view the first team always comes first and then the experience of the individual after that so that is why Calum (Chambers) looks like he is going to play so that is the right thing for him.

"If I am as a coach saying to him you cannot play for England's seniors, it is not a great footing to get off on. Nobody can say that is not a brilliant experience to play at Wembley and possibly get a start with England."